In a viral video, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dray openly criticized common skincare habits that unexpectedly speed up skin aging and waste money. She highlighted behaviors such as vaping while using expensive serums and waxing over skin treated with retinol. According to Dr. Dray, these mistakes can undo years of skincare efforts and “drive \[her] bonkers.”
Dr. Dray’s top skincare mistake is vaping. She explained that no matter how good your vitamin C serum is, vaping harms your skin and facial structure. Vaping damages the tissues in your mouth, increases inflammation, and can cause gum disease and bone loss, all of which contribute to accelerated facial aging. “Vaping is not going to do your bone structure any favors… that is just not the look that you want,” she said.
Another common error involves citrus fruits and sun exposure, which can cause “margarita dermatitis.” Citrus fruits contain chemicals called furocoumarins that react with ultraviolet radiation, leading to painful rashes and dark, lasting hyperpigmentation, especially in people with deeper skin tones.
Drinking alcohol while in the sun also worsens skin health. Alcohol makes the skin more sensitive to UV radiation by depleting antioxidants needed to protect against sun damage. Additionally, alcohol impairs judgment, often causing people to forget sunscreen or stay in the sun too long, which increases the risk of burns and long-term skin damage.
Dr. Dray also warned against waxing when using active skincare ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid. These products smooth the skin’s surface but also thin the protective outer layer, making the skin more prone to sores and wounds during waxing. She advised informing your esthetician about any products you use to avoid skin trauma.
She cautioned against self-treating skin conditions with steroid creams or over-the-counter remedies, especially for fungal infections like ringworm. Steroids may suppress symptoms but allow the fungus to spread unchecked. Dr. Dray urged patience, noting that many skin problems resolve without intervention.
Her overall message is clear: no serum can fix the damage caused by bad habits such as vaping, skipping sun protection, or mixing incompatible skincare routines. “If you are out booze cruising, vaping, no sun protection, in a bikini — good luck. The serum is not doing jack squat at that point,” she said. Prevention remains the most important part of skincare.
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